There was a carnival atmosphere in Leighlinbridge yesterday as the town welcomed home trainer Willie Mullins and his Closutton team, including his top jockey Paul Townend, who has now saddled a record breaking five Cheltenham Gold Cup winners.
Willie, who is the most successful trainer in Cheltenham history with an incredible 121 winners, claimed his fifth Gold Cup last week with Gaelic Warrior, while he also tasted victory in both the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Il Était Temps, all superbly brought home by Paul Townend.
KCLR News joined the happy throng who welcomed the Mullins team and their three victorious steeds home to Leighlinbridge, where we spoke to many of those at the heart of the homecoming, led by Willie and Jackie Mullins:
Paul Townend’s greatness is matched by his humility. In fact, he might be the most understated sporting superstar this country has ever produced!
Last week, the Cork native and Kilkenny resident (35) eclipsed legendary jockey Pat Taaffe when claiming his fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Gaelic Warrior, much to the delight of Carlow and Kilkenny punters.
He also became the first rider to saddle the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle (Lossiemouth) and Queen Mother Champion Chase (Il Etait Temps) victors at the same meeting, assuring himself of a special place in National Hunt history.
Between dozens and dozens of selfie and autograph requests, Paul spoke to KCLR News in Leighlinbridge about the greatest week of his remarkable career:
Robert Hall, who brilliantly led RTE’s equestrian coverage for 37 years, was among the many admirers who assembled at Leighlinbridge to pay tribute to one of the greatest double acts in the history of National Hunt racing. KCLR News spoke to Robert, along with County Councillors Michael Doran (FG), Andrea Dalton and some very happy locals:
